Trapeze hanger system including trapeze hanger fitting

ABSTRACT

A trapeze hanger fitting includes a strut connecting portion configured for insertion into an open interior of a strut through an open longitudinal end of the strut to connect the trapeze hanger fitting to the strut. A rod securement portion is connected to the strut connecting portion and configured for securement to a rod to secure the trapeze hanger fitting to the rod. The rod securement portion is configured to be disposed outside the open interior of the strut and longitudinally outward from the open longitudinal end of the strut when the strut connecting portion is inserted into the open interior of the strut.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention generally relates to a trapeze hanger system, anda fitting of the trapeze hanger system.

BACKGROUND

Pipes, electrical cables and other components in buildings may besecured to a support extending down from an elevated structure, such asa ceiling. For example, a trapeze hanger system may be used to supportone or more pipes and/or electrical cables (or other components) withina building. In one example, a trapeze hanger system includes one or morestruts, each of which is secured to threaded rods depending from aceiling. The strut is typically a channel strut including an upper sidedefining an open channel and a lower side having openings therein. Eachthreaded rod passes through the open channel in the upper side and oneof the openings in the lower side. Nut/washer sets are used to securethe strut to the threaded rods. In particular, an upper nut/washer setand a lower nut/washer set are secured to each rod (i.e., the nuts arethreaded on the rods), such that the strut is sandwiched between theupper and lower nut/washer sets to fixedly secure the strut to thethreaded rod. When secured to the rods, the strut is spaced from theceiling in a generally horizontal orientation. The pipes and/orelectrical cables may be secured to the upper side of the strut, such asby pipe clamps secured in the open channel from the strut, so that thepipes and/or electrical cables run horizontally in the building.

Although the conventional trapeze hanger system works quite well forsuspending components from an elevated structure, it can be timeconsuming to assembly the trapeze hanger system on site. Moreover,depending on the lengths of the strut used in the trapeze hanger system,it may require at least two installers to assemble the trapeze hangersystem on site, which adds to the overall cost of installing.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, a trapeze hanger fitting includes a strut connectingportion configured for insertion into an open interior of a strutthrough an open longitudinal end of the strut to connect the trapezehanger fitting to the strut. A rod securement portion is connected tothe strut connecting portion and configured for securement to a rod tosecure the trapeze hanger fitting to the rod. The rod securement portionis configured to be disposed outside the open interior of the strut andlongitudinally outward from the open longitudinal end of the strut whenthe strut connecting portion is inserted into the open interior of thestrut.

In another aspect, a trapeze hanger system includes a strut having anupper side, a lower side, an interior surface defining an open interior,and opposite open longitudinal ends leading to the open interior. Atrapeze hanger fitting for securing the strut to a rod includes a strutconnecting portion configured for insertion into the open interior ofthe strut through one of the open longitudinal ends of the strut toconnect the trapeze hanger fitting to the strut. A rod securementportion is connected to the strut connecting portion and configured forsecurement to the rod to secure the trapeze hanger fitting to the rod.The rod securement portion is configured to be disposed outside the openinterior of the strut and longitudinally outward from said one of theopen longitudinal ends of the strut when the strut connecting portion isinserted into the open interior of the strut.

In yet another aspect, a method of forming a trapeze hanger systemincludes securing a rod securement portion of a first trapeze hangerfitting to a rod. A strut connecting portion of the first trapeze hangerfitting is inserted into an open interior of a strut through an openlongitudinal end of the strut. The rod securement portion of the firsttrapeze hanger fitting is disposed outside the open interior of thestrut and longitudinally outward from the open longitudinal end of thestrut after inserting the strut connecting portion into the openinterior of the strut.

Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective of one embodiment of an assembled trapezehanger system, the system including a strut, a pair of threaded rods,and a pair of trapeze hanger fittings received in a lower T-shaped trackof the strut;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the trapeze hanger system;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective of one embodiment of a strut for use inthe trapeze hanger system;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the strut, with upper and lower T-shapedtracks defined by an interior of the channel framing being shown inbroken lines;

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, except with left and right T-shaped tracksdefined by an interior of the channel framing being shown in brokenlines;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of another embodiment of strut for use in thetrapeze hanger system;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of one embodiment of a trapeze hanger fittingfor use in the trapeze hanger system;

FIG. 8 is a left elevation of the trapeze hanger fitting;

FIG. 9 is a top plan of the trapeze hanger fitting;

FIG. 10 is an elevation of the assembled trapeze hanger system of FIG.1;

FIG. 11 is a cross section of the assembled trapeze hanger system takenthrough the plane defined by the line 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross section of the assembled trapeze hanger system takenthrough the plane defined by the line 12-12 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross section of the assembled trapeze hanger system takenthrough the plane defined by the line 13-13 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 1, except nuts on threaded rods of thetrapeze hanger system are in an unlocked position;

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 1, except the trapeze hanger fitting isreceived in an upper T-shaped track of the strut;

FIG. 16 is an elevation of FIG. 15, including a component secured to thestrut;

FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 1, except the strut is a different type ofstrut;

FIG. 18 is an elevation of FIG. 17, including a component secured to thestrut;

FIG. 19 is similar to FIG. 18, except the trapeze hanger fitting isreceived in an upper T-shaped track of the strut; and

FIG. 20 is an elevation of FIG. 19, including a component secured to thestrut.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is directed to atrapeze hanger system, one embodiment of which is indicated generally atreference numeral 6. The trapeze hanger system 6 includes rods 8 (e.g.,two threaded rods), a strut, generally indicated at reference numeral10, and hanger fittings, each generally indicated at 11, for securingthe strut to the threaded rods. In general, the trapeze hanger system 6is used to support one or more components (e.g., pipes, electricalcables, cable trays, and the like) within a building, for example, orother structure. As explained in more detail below, in use the trapezehanger system 6 is suspended from an elevated structure (e.g., aceiling) and components may be supported by and secured to the strut 10.

One embodiment of the strut 10 is shown in FIGS. 3-5. The strut 10 iselongate with a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shapehaving four sides and a longitudinal axis A extending along its lengthand through opposite open longitudinal ends 10 a of the strut 10. Asillustrated, the strut has an upper side 12, a lower side 14, a rightside 16, and a left side 18 (each indicated generally). As usedthroughout the present disclosure with respect to the strut 10, theterms defining relative locations and positions of structures andcomponents of the strut, including but not limited to the terms “upper,”“lower,” “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom,” are meant to provide apoint of reference for such components and structures when the strut isorientated as shown in FIGS. 3-5. (Accordingly, in FIGS. 1 and 2, forexample, the strut is oriented “up-side down,” relative to itsorientation in FIGS. 3-5, such that the upper side 12 of the strut 10 isfacing downward, and the lower side of the strut is facing upward. Asexplained below, the strut 10 may be oriented “right-side up” in otherconfigurations.) Moreover, the terms “inner” and “outer” are relativelocations with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the strut 10. Theupper side 12 (or slot side) of the strut 10 defines a continuousopening or slot 19 (i.e., the upper side is open) having a width W1(FIG. 2). The upper side 12 has outer portions 13 on either side of theslot 19, and inturned (or downwardly extending, as illustrated) lips 20defining the slot and leading to an open interior 22 of the strut 10.The open longitudinal ends 10 a also lead to the open interior 22 of thestrut 10.

As illustrated, each of the lower, right and left sides 14, 16, 18,respectively, of the strut 10 has an inward portion, generally indicatedat 23, and opposite outer portions 24 on either side of the inwardportion, extending lengthwise of the strut 10. An exterior surface ofthe inward portion 23 defines an external fitting groove 26, and aninterior surface of the inward portion defines an internal rail 23.Thus, the illustrated strut 10 includes respective left, right, andlower external fitting grooves 26 and corresponding left, right, andlower internal rails 23. Each inward portion 23 includes opposing sidewalls 28 extending generally inwardly from the respective ones of theouter portions 24 of the corresponding side 14, 16, 18. The side walls28 extend to a planar inner wall 30 that spans between and interconnectsthe side walls. The side walls 28 flare away from one another as theyextend inward from the outer portions 24 toward the inner wall 30 sothat each inward portion 23 has a generally dovetail cross-sectionalshape or longitudinal end profile. It is understood that the innerportion 23, including one or both of the fitting groove 26 and theinternal rail 23, may be of other shapes and configurations withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the fitting grooves 26 may be substantiallyidentical to one another, as illustrated. Each fitting groove 26 has agenerally dovetail-shaped profile with a first relatively narrower widthW2 (e.g., a minimum width) adjacent its entrance and a second relativelywider width W3 (e.g., a maximum width) adjacent the inner wall 30. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the fitting grooves 26 may be used forsecuring a component fitting, such as a pipe clamp 31 (FIGS. 10 and 16),to the strut 10. The component fitting 31, in turn, secures a componentC (e.g., a pipe, electrical cable, cable tray, or the like) to the strut10. The component fitting 31 may include a coupling component that iscomplementary to the fitting grooves 26 (e.g., a dovetail-shapedcoupling component that can be inserted into the dovetail-shaped fittinggroove) to secure the fitting to the strut 10. Suitable componentfittings for the fitting groove 26 are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/966,897, filed Aug. 14, 2013, the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference. Suitable component fittingsfor the slot 19 are generally known in the art.

Each internal rail 23 has a generally dovetail-shaped profile withopposite internal shoulders 32 at the junctions of the inner wall 30 andthe side walls 28. Accordingly, the left and right rails 27 have upperand lower internal shoulders 32, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and thelower rail 27 has left and right internal shoulders 32, as illustrated.The interior surface of the strut 10, including the rails 27, defines atleast one track in which the trapeze hanger fitting 11 can be insertedfor connecting the trapeze hanger fitting to the strut, as explained inmore detail below. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the illustratedembodiment the interior 22 of the strut 10 has four (4) separate tracks,each of which has an effective T-shape in cross section (i.e., a“T-shaped track”). It is understood that the tracks may have othercross-sectional shapes. FIG. 2 includes a general outline (shown inbroken line) of both a first T-shaped track 40 (e.g., an upper T-shapedtrack), defined by the inturned lips 20, and the upper shoulders 32 andinner faces (defined by the inner walls 30) of the respective left andright internal rails; and a second T-shaped track 42 (e.g., a lowerT-shaped track), defined by the lower shoulders 32 and inner faces(defined by the inner walls 30) of the respective left and rightinternal rails 23, and the inner face (defined by the inner wall 30) ofthe lower internal rail. FIG. 3 includes a general outline (shown inbroken line) of both a third T-shaped track 44 (e.g., a left T-shapedtrack), defined by the left inturned lip 20, the inner face (defined bythe inner wall 30) of the left internal rail 23, and the left shoulderand inner face (defined by the inner wall 30) of the lower internalrail; and a fourth T-shaped track 46 (e.g., a right T-shaped track)defined by the right inturned lip 20, the inner face (defined by theinner wall 30) of the right internal rail 23, and the right shoulder andinner face (defined by the inner wall 30) of the lower internal rail.Each of the illustrated T-shaped tracks 40, 42, 44, 46 have a stemportion 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46, respectively, and a crosswise portion(s)or wings 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b, respectively, extending generallytransverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the corresponding stem portion.

In the strut 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, openings 50 extend througheach of the inner walls 30 of the inward portions 23 of the left, right,and lower sides 18, 16, 14, respectively. In other embodiments, theopenings 50 may be in the lower side 14 and, only optionally, in theleft and right sides 18, 16, respectively. For example, the strut 10illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 has openings 50 in only the lower side 14(i.e., the left and right sides 18, 16 are free from the openings. Theopenings 50 may be, for example, knockouts, or punched, or half-slots,or slots, as are generally known in the art. Typically, the openings 50in the strut 10 will be the same type of opening, although the samestrut may include a mix of different types of openings, such as shown inthe illustrated embodiments. It is also understood that the sides maynot include openings without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Yet another embodiment of a strut suitable for use with the trapezehanger system 6, and in particular the fitting 11, is indicatedgenerally by the same reference numeral 10 in FIG. 6. Structures of thepresent strut 10 that are the same or similar to the structures of thestrut embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 are indicated by correspondingreference numerals. This strut 10 is similar to the strut in FIGS. 3-5,except that the left and right sides 18, 16 have widths extendingbetween the upper and lower sides 12, 14 that are less than the widthsof the left and right sides of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5.Moreover, the left and right sides 18, 16 of the present embodiment donot include the inward portions (or the grooves and internal rails), butinstead, the left and right sides are generally planar.

In one example, the strut 10 may be formed from a sheet of rigid metal,such as low carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals, orfrom other material, such as fiberglass or plastic. The strut 10 may becold formed using a rolling mill, such as when forming the strut fromsteel, or the strut may be extruded from an extrusion die, such as whenforming the strut from aluminum. The strut 10 may be formed in otherways. The strut 10 may be formed from a metal sheet having uniformthickness from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm. In one non-limiting example,the strut 10 may be formed from 18 gauge (1.2 mm) steel sheet metal, orfrom 20 gauge (0.9 mm) steel sheet metal. In another non-limitingembodiment, the dimension of each of the width and height of the strut10 may be 53.5 mm, as opposed to 50 mm.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7 and 10, the trapeze hanger fitting 11 comprisesa strut connecting portion, generally indicated at 60, configured forinsertion into the open interior 22 of the strut 10 through one of theopen longitudinal ends 10 a of the strut to connect the trapeze hangerfitting to the strut. More specifically, in the illustrated embodimentthe strut connecting portion 60 is configured for insertion (e.g.,sliding insertion) into one or more (e.g., any) of the internal T-shapedtracks 40, 42, 44, 46 defined by the strut 10 for connecting the trapezehanger fitting to the strut. In the drawings, the strut connectingportion 60 is shown connected to either the upper T-shaped track 40 orthe lower T-shaped track 42, as it is contemplated that these are thetwo primary tracks that will be used with the trapeze hanger fitting 11.It is understood that left and right T-shaped tracks 44, 46 may also beused with the trapeze hanger fitting 11 in other non-illustratedembodiments.

Referring still to FIGS. 2, 7 and 10, the trapeze hanger fitting 11further comprises a rod securement portion, generally indicated at 62,is connected to the strut connecting portion 60 and configured forsecurement to one of the threaded rods 8 to secure the trapeze hangerfitting 11 to the rod. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 10, the rodsecurement portion 62 is configured to be disposed outside the openinterior 22 of the strut 10 and longitudinally (or axially) outward fromthe corresponding open longitudinal end 10 a of the strut when the strutconnecting portion 60 is inserted into the open interior of the strut.In this way, the threaded rod 8, when secured to the rod securementportion 62, does not pass through the channel 19 into the open interior22. Instead, the threaded rod 8 is disposed longitudinally (or axial)outward from the corresponding longitudinal end 10 a of the strut 10.

Details of the strut connecting portion 60 and the rod securementportion 62 of the illustrated embodiment are described below with theunderstanding that one or both of the strut connecting portion and therod securement portion may be of other configurations for performing oneor more of the disclosed functions without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Moreover, as used throughout the presentdisclosure with respect to the trapeze hanger fitting 11, the termsdefining relative locations and positions of structures and componentsof the fitting, including but not limited to the terms “upper,” “lower,”“right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom,” are meant to provide a point ofreference for such components and structures when the fitting isorientated as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 10, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the strut connecting portion 60 of the trapezehanger fitting 11 includes a generally planar connecting body 66 havingopposite first and second ends 68, 70, opposite side edge margins 72, 74extending between the first and second ends, and an imaginary axis A2extending through the first and second ends. A pair of first tongues orwings (each indicated by reference numeral 80) extends laterally outwardat either side edge margin 72, 74 adjacent the first end 68 (e.g., freeend) of the connecting body 66. A pair of second tongues or wings (eachindicated by reference numeral 82) extends laterally outward from eitherside edge margin 72, 74 adjacent the second end 70 of the connectingbody 66. Each of the first and second tongues 80, 82, respectively, haveflanges 84, 86, respectively, at a terminal end of the wing. Therespective flanges 84, 86 extend in a first direction (e.g., an upwarddirection in the drawings) generally transverse to the connecting body66 such that the first tongues 80 and a portion of the connecting bodyextending therebetween generally define a first channel, and the secondtongues 82 and a portion of the connecting body extending therebetweendefine a second channel.

The illustrated first and second tongues 80, 82 are configured forsliding reception in any one of the T-shaped tracks 40, 42, 44, 46 ofthe strut 10 for connecting the strut connecting portion 60 to thestrut. More specifically, the illustrated first and second tongues 80,82 are configured for sliding reception in the crosswise portion 40 b,42 b, 44 b, 46 b of any one of the T-shaped tracks 40, 42, 44, 46,through either open longitudinal end 10 a of the strut 10. For example,with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 11, when inserting the strut connectingportion 60 into the lower T-shaped track 42, as illustrated, the firsttongues 80 enter the respective crosswise portions 42 b of the lowerT-shaped track 42 and the flanges 84, which are positioned laterallyoutward of the shoulders 32 of the lower internal rail 23, move past therespective shoulders 32. In other words, the first channel defined bythe first tongues 80 and the portion of the connecting body 66 extendingtherebetween receive the lower internal rail 23. Accordingly, the firsttongues 80 guide the strut connecting portion 60 into the lower T-shapedtrack 42 (or other selected track) of the strut 10. Moreover, the firsttongues 80 overlie that respective shoulders 32 of the left and rightinternal rails 23 and the flanges 84 may be configured to engage theinterior surface of the outer portions 24 of the lower side 14. Thesecond tongues 82 and second flanges 86 are substantially similar instructure and function to the first tongues 80 and flanges 84.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, when the strut connecting portion 60is fully inserted into the lower T-shaped track 42, for example, thesecond tongues 82 overlie the respective shoulders 32 of the left andright internal rails 23 and the flanges 86 may be configured to engagethe interior surface of the outer portions 24 of the lower side 14. Ineffect, the first and second tongues 80, 82, including the flanges 84,86, both guide the strut connecting portion 62 into the selectedT-shaped track 40, 42, 44, 46 and inhibit movement of the strutconnecting portion in the first and second directions (e.g., upward anddownward movement) relative to the strut 10 when the strut connectingportion is received in the selected T-shaped track.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 12, the strut connecting portion 60 furtherincludes a pair of clip jaws (each indicated by reference numeral 90) ateither side edge margin 72, 74 and extending in the first direction(e.g., the upward direction; the same direction as the flanges 84, 86 ofthe tongues 80, 82) generally transverse to the connecting body 66. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the jaws 90 are disposed axially between thepairs of respective first and second tongues 80, 82. The jaws 90 areresiliently deflectable, relative to the connecting body 66, laterallyoutward, away from the imaginary axis A2 and are configured to clip ontoany one of the internal rails 23 of the strut 10 upon insertion of thestrut connecting portion 60 into the selected T-shaped track 40, 42, 44,46 through the selected open longitudinal end 10 a. More specifically,as the strut connecting portion 60 slides axially within the T-shapedtrack 40, 42, 44, 46, the jaws engage the internal rail 23 (e.g., theshoulders 32 of the rail) and resiliently deflect laterally outward sothat the rail is received between the jaws. As shown in FIG. 12, theresilient force of the clip jaws 90 retain the jaws in frictionalengagement with at least the shoulders 32 of the internal rail 23,thereby effectively clipping the strut connecting portion 60 onto theinternal rail. Accordingly, the jaws 90 and a portion of the connectingbody 66 extending therebetween generally define a spring clip fastenerfor attaching the strut connecting portion 60 to one of the internalrails 23 of the strut 10 as the strut connecting portion 60 is insertedinto the selected T-shaped track 40, 42, 44, 46.

With reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 12, the strut connecting portion 60also includes a pair of alignment arms (each indicated by referencenumeral 96) at either side edge margin 72, 74 of the connecting body 66and extending in a second direction (e.g., a downward direction; adirection opposite that of the clip jaws 96 and the flanges 84, 86)generally opposite the first direction and generally transverse to theconnecting body. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment arms 96are disposed axially between the pairs of respective first and secondtongues 80, 82 and are generally axially coextensive with the clip jaws90. The alignment arms 96 are configured for sliding reception in anyone of the T-shaped tracks 40, 42, 44, 46 of the strut 10 for properlyaligning the axis A2 of the strut connecting portion 60 with thelongitudinal axis A of the strut. More specifically, the alignment arms96 are configured for sliding reception in the stem portion 40 a, 42 a,44 a, 46 a of any of the T-shaped tracks 40, 42, 44, 46. The alignmentarms 96 may be resiliently deflectable inward toward the axis A2 of thestrut connecting portion 60 relative to the connecting body 66 such thatupon insertion of the alignment arms into the stem portion stem portion40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a of any of the T-shaped tracks 40, 42, 44, 46, thealignment arms engage opposing internal rails 23 (e.g., the inner walls30 of the opposing internal rails) and resiliently deflect inward. Theresilient forces of the alignment arms 96 retain the arms in frictionalengagement with the inner walls 30 of the opposing internal rails 23. Ineffect, the alignment arms 96 may inhibit lateral movement of thetrapeze hanger fitting 11 relative to the strut 10 and properly positionthe strut relative to the threaded rods 8 when the strut is secured tothe threaded rods. In addition, the alignment arms 96, along with theportion of the connecting body 66 extending therebetween, providesupport to the strut 10 by acting as a hold open or spacer between theopposing internal rails 23. This function inhibits the left and rightsides 18, 16 of the strut 10 from canting toward one another about thelower side 14 when the trapeze hanger fitting 11 is inserted in eitherone of the lower and upper T-shaped tracks 42, 40.

As can be seen in FIG. 9, the first and second tongues 80, 82 haverespective widths W4, W5, respectively, that are greater than respectivewidths W6, W7 defined by the clip jaws 90 and the alignment arms 96,respectively. Moreover, the widths W4, W5 of the first and secondtongues, 80, 82, respectively, may be substantially equal, although thefirst and second tongues may have different widths. The widths W6, W7defined by the clip jaws 90 and the alignment arms 96, respectively, maybe substantially equal, or the clip jaws and the alignment arms may havedifferent widths.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, to inhibit the connecting portion 60 fromincidentally (i.e., unintentionally) withdrawing from the openlongitudinal end 10 a of the strut 10, the illustrated strut connectingportion 60 includes at least one stop or catch 100 on the connectingbody 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the strut connecting portion 60includes three catches 100 spaced apart axially on the connecting body66. The illustrated catches 100 are identical in structure and function,and therefore, reference will be made to one catch for ease ofdescription with the understanding that the following descriptionapplies equally to each of the catches. The catch 100 is cantilevered onthe connecting body 66 (i.e., it has an attached end and a free end) anddisposed within the perimeter of the connecting body defined by thefirst and second ends 68, 70 and the first and second side edge margins72, 74. The catch 100 extends, from its attached end to its free end,toward the second end 70 of the connecting body 66 and slightly out ofplane relative to the connecting body, such that the free end of thecatch is spaced from the plane of the connecting body in the firstdirection (i.e., the free end of the catch is slightly above an uppersurface of the connecting body). The catch 100 is resilientlydeflectable toward the connecting body 66, generally about its attachedend (e.g., the junction of the attached end and the connecting bodyforms a living hinge), and clearance opening 102 (or recess) in theconnecting body 66 allows the free end of the catch to deflect to aposition in which it is at (e.g., coplanar with) or effectively belowthe upper surface of the connecting body.

As the connecting portion 60 is inserted into the selected T-track 40,42, 44, 46, such as the lower T-track as shown in FIG. 1, the catch 100engages the corresponding internal rail 27 (e.g., the inner surface 30of the internal rail) and resiliently deflects toward the connectingbody. As the free end of the catch 100 moves past a peripheral edge ofone of the openings 50, the catch pivots about its attached end awayfrom the connecting body (i.e., rebounds to its initial position) andenters the opening. When the catch is received in one of the openings 50and is in its initial position, the free end of the catch 100 will catchor engage the peripheral edge of the corresponding opening if awithdrawal force is applied to the strut connecting portion 60, therebyinhibiting unintentional disconnection of the trapeze hanger fitting 11and the strut 10. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three catches100 spaced apart axially on the connecting body 66 to ensure that atleast one of the catches is or will be received in one of the openings50 if a withdrawal force is applied to the strut connecting portion 60.To disconnect the trapeze hanger fitting 11 from the strut 10 when thecatch 100 received in one of the openings 50, the catch 100 can beresiliently deflected by pressing down on the free end of the catch andsimultaneously applying a withdrawal force to the fitting, therebysliding the connecting portion 60 out of the corresponding selectedT-shaped track 40, 42, 44, 46.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the rod securement portion 62 of the trapezehanger fitting 11 is connected to the second end 70 of the connectingportion 60 and extends outward from the strut connecting portion in thefirst direction (e.g., upward direction) generally transverse to theaxis A2 of the strut connecting portion. It is understood that the rodsecurement portion 62 may extend in the second direction (e.g., downwarddirection) relative to the axis A2 of the strut connecting portion. Therod securement portion 62 comprises a pair of spaced apart, opposingplates 106, 107 and a set of one or more hooks (each indicated byreference numeral 110) extending between and interconnecting first sideedge margins 111 of the respective opposing plates. In the illustratedembodiment, the hook set comprises two hooks 111 having inner arcuaterod support surfaces defining an elongate recess 112. As shown in FIG.8, the hook-defined recess 112 has an axis A3 extending along the rodsecurement portion 62 and intersecting the axis A2 of the strutconnecting portion 60 at an offset angle α. For example, the angle α maybe about 90 degree, plus or minus 5 degrees, or another angle. The hooks110 are space apart vertically (i.e., along the axis A3) and define agap 118 therebetween (See also FIGS. 11-13).

The rod securement portion 62 also includes first and secondfield-bendable tabs 120, 122 projecting from one or both of the opposingplates 106. In its factory (un-deformed) state or condition, the firsttab 120 projects from a first end (e.g., an upper end) of the plate 106,generally in the plane of the plate 106, and the second tab 122 projectsfrom a second end (e.g., a lower end) of the plate 106, generally in theplane of the plate 106. (The tabs 120, 122 in their un-deformed state orcondition are shown in broken lines in FIG. 8.) The tabs 120, 122 arebendable about bending axes at the respective junctions of the tabs andthe plate 108 toward the axis A3 of the elongate recess 112. Tofacilitate bending, one or more openings (e.g., slots 128, FIG. 1) maybe provided along the bend lines.

As generally shown in FIG. 2, to secure the rod securement portion 62 ofthe trapeze hanger fitting 10 the threaded rod 8, the threaded rod isreceived between the opposite first and second plates 106, 107 through aslot-shaped opening 130 defined between second edge margins 132 of thefirst and second plates (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Widened portions of thefirst and second plates 106, 107 extend laterally outward to define anenlarged space 136 therebetween to provide clearance for a nut 140threaded on the rod 8. The rod 8 is further moved into the recess 112and the nut 140 is received in the gap 118 between the first and secondhooks 110, as shown in FIG. 14. The tabs 120, 122 can then be foldedinward to capture the rod 8 therein. The trapeze hanger fitting 11 isthen moved downward on the rod 8 from the position shown in FIG. 14 tothe position shown in FIGS. 1 and 10 such that the nut 140 is moved outof alignment with the widened portions of the first and second plates106, 107, and the hook 110 disposed above the nut 140 engages and issupported by the nut. The nut 140 is inhibited from rotating on thethreaded rod 8 in this locked position between the spacing between theopposing plates 106, 107 adjacent the nut does not provide clearance forthe nut to rotate.

The illustrated rod securement portion 62 has a feature whichfacilitates adjustment of elevation of the trapeze hanger fitting 11(and thus the strut 10) on the rod 8. In the position shown in FIG. 14,the nut 140 can be rotated on the rod 8 to move the nut upward ordownward on the rod. The widened portions of the first and second plates106, 107 defining the enlarged space 136 provide clearance for the nut140 to rotate on the rod 8. Thus, even after folding the tabs 120, 122,elevation of the strut 10 can be adjusted by first moving the trapezehanger fitting 11 upward on the rod a small distance to align the nut140 with the widened portions of the first and second plates, and thenrotating the nut to re-position the nut on the rod.

In one example, the trapeze hanger fitting 11 may be formed as aunitary, one-piece construction. For example, the fitting 11 may beformed from a single sheet of rigid metal, such as low carbon steel,stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals, or from other material, suchas fiberglass or plastic.

Referring to FIGS. 15-20, the trapeze hanger system 6 is shown attachedto different types of struts 10 and/or in different configurations inuse. In FIG. 15, the trapeze hanger fitting 11 is inserted in the upperT-shaped track 40 and the trapeze hanger system (as assembled) isoriented such that the upper side 12 of the strut 10 faces upward andthe lower side 14 faces downward. As shown in FIG. 16, one or morecomponents C (e.g., pipes, electrical cables, cable trays, and the like)may be secured to the upper side 12 of the strut 10 using a fitting 31that is secured within the channel 19. In FIG. 17, the trapeze hangerfitting 11 is inserted in the upper T-shaped track 40 of the strut 10illustrated in FIG. 6 and the trapeze hanger system (as assembled) isoriented such that the upper side 12 of the strut faces downward and thelower side 14 faces upward. As shown in FIG. 18, one or more componentsC (e.g., pipes, electrical cables, cable trays, and the like) may besecured to the lower side 14 of the strut 10 using a fitting 31 that issecured within the fitting groove 26. In FIG. 19, the trapeze hangerfitting 11 is inserted in the upper T-shaped track 40 and the trapezehanger system (as assembled) is oriented such that the upper side 12 ofthe strut 10 faces upward and the lower side 14 faces downward. As shownin FIG. 20, one or more components C (e.g., pipes, electrical cables,cable trays, and the like) may be secured to the upper side 12 of thestrut 10 using a fitting 31 that is secured within the channel 19. Otherconfigurations and variations of the how the trapeze hanger system 6 (asassembled) is hung from the elevated structure do not depart form thescope of the present invention. For example, in other orientations thetrapeze hanger systems in FIGS. 1 and 15-20 may be inverted (i.e.,flipped upside down as illustrated).

One embodiment of a method of assembling and installing the trapezehanger system 6 will not be described with the understanding that otherways and variations of assembling and installing the system arepossible. In particular, the order of the steps may vary, depending onthe preference of the assembler/installer. The following description isin reference to assembling and installing the trapeze hanger system 6illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In one example, first and second trapeze hanger fittings 11 areconnected to the strut 10. Each fitting 11 is connected to the strut 10by sliding the strut connecting portion 60 into the lower T-shaped track42 through one of the longitudinal ends 10 a of the strut 10. Uponinsertion, the first tongues 80 enter the respective cross-wise portions42 b of the lower T-shaped track 42 such that the lower internal rail 23enters the first channel defined between the first tongues. As the strutconnecting portion 60 continues to slide along the T-shaped track 42,the alignment arms 96 enter the stem portion 42 b of the track (andoptionally engage the left and right internal rails and deflect inward,as disclosed above), and the clip jaws 90 engage the lower internal railand deflect outward to clip onto the rail. As the strut connectingportion 60 further continues to slide along the T-shaped track 42, thesecond tongues 82 enter the respective cross-wise portions 42 b of thelower T-shaped track 42 such that the lower internal rail 23 enters thesecond channel defined between the second tongues. With the strutconnecting portion 60 fully inserted in the lower T-shaped track 42, atleast one of the catches 100 is preferably in its initial configurationand received in one of the openings 50 in the lower internal rail 23.(It is understood that if the strut connecting portion 60 was receivedin the upper T-shaped track 40, the catches 100 would not provide afunction because the slot 19 is continuous along the strut 10.)

With the trapeze hanger fittings 11 connected to the strut 10 at theopposite longitudinal ends 10 a, the fittings are secured to therespective rods 8, which are depending from the elevated structure(e.g., a ceiling). It is understood that one or both of the fittings 11may be secured to the respective rods 8 before or after connecting oneor both of the fittings to the strut 10. For each fitting 11, one of therods 8, which includes the nut 140, is inserted between the opposingplates 106, 107 of the rod securement portion 62 of the fitting so thatthe rod is generally aligned with the axis A3 defined by the hooks 110.With the rod 8 in the hooks 110, the tabs 120, 122 are folded inward tocapture the rod therein. The position of each fitting 11 (and thus theposition of the strut 10) on the corresponding rod 8 can be adjusted byaligning the respective nut 140 with the enlarged space 136 and rotatingthe nut on the rod.

Having described embodiments of the invention in detail, it will beapparent that modifications and variations are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention defined in the appendedclaims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trapeze hanger fitting comprising: a strutconnecting portion configured for insertion into an open interior of astrut through an open longitudinal end of the strut to connect thetrapeze hanger fitting to the strut, the strut connecting portionincluding a connecting body having opposite first and second ends andopposite side edge margins extending between the opposite ends, thefirst end of the connecting body configured for insertion through theopen longitudinal end of the strut, the connecting body configured toengage an interior surface defining the open interior of the strut whenthe strut connecting portion is inserted into the open interior of thestrut, and at least one catch connected to the connecting body andconfigured to engage the strut to prevent the strut connecting portionfrom withdrawing from the open longitudinal end of the strut when thestrut connecting portion is inserted into the open interior of thestrut; and a rod securement portion connected to the strut connectingportion and configured for securement to a rod to secure the trapezehanger fitting to the rod, wherein the rod securement portion isconfigured to be disposed outside the open interior of the strut andlongitudinally outward from the open longitudinal end of the strut whenthe strut connecting portion is inserted into the open interior of thestrut.
 2. The trapeze hanger fitting set forth in claim 1, wherein thestrut connecting portion further includes opposite flanges extendingfrom either side edge margin of the connecting body in a first directionthat is generally transverse to the connecting body, wherein theopposite flanges are configured to engage the interior surface definingthe open interior of the strut when the strut connecting portion isinserted into the open interior of the strut.
 3. The trapeze hangerfitting set forth in claim 2, wherein the opposite flanges and theconnecting body define a channel.
 4. The trapeze hanger fitting setforth in claim 1, wherein the rod securement portion extends outwardfrom the connecting body in a direction that is generally transverse tothe connecting body at a location adjacent the second end of theconnecting body.
 5. The trapeze hanger fitting set forth in claim 1, incombination with a strut having an upper side, a lower side, an interiorsurface defining an open interior, and opposite open longitudinal endsleading to the open interior, wherein the upper side defines acontinuous slot extending lengthwise of the body and into the interiorof the body, wherein the lower side defines at least one openingproximate each longitudinal end of the strut.
 6. The trapeze hangerfitting in combination with the strut set forth in claim 5, wherein theat least one catch is configured to engage the at least one opening ofthe strut to prevent the strut connecting portion from withdrawing fromthe open longitudinal end of the strut when the strut connecting portionis inserted into the open interior of the strut.
 7. The trapeze hangerfitting in combination with the strut set forth in claim 6, wherein theconnecting body is configured to engage the lower side of the strut whenthe strut connecting portion is inserted into the open interior of thestrut.
 8. The trapeze hanger fitting in combination with the strut setforth in claim 7, wherein the strut has opposing left and right sides,wherein the strut connecting portion further includes opposite flangesextending from either side edge margin of the connecting body in adirection that is generally transverse to the connecting body, whereinthe opposite flanges are configured to engage the left and right sideswhen the strut connecting portion is inserted into the open interior ofthe strut.
 9. The trapeze hanger fitting set forth in claim 1, whereinthe at least one catch extends from an attached end connected to theconnecting body to a free end, the at least one catch being cantileveredrelative to the connecting body such that the free end of the catch isspaced from a plane defined by the connecting body.
 10. The trapezehanger fitting set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one catch islocated within a perimeter of the connecting body defined by the firstand second ends and the opposite side edge margins.
 11. The trapezehanger fitting set forth in claim 9, wherein the at least one catchextends toward the second end of the connecting body such that the freeend is closer to the second end and the attached end is closer to thefirst end.
 12. The trapeze hanger fitting set forth in claim 9, whereinthe at least one catch is resiliently deflectable toward the connectingbody.
 13. The trapeze hanger fitting set forth in claim 12, wherein theconnecting body defines a clearance opening around the at least onecatch to allow the at least one catch to deflect toward the connectingbody.
 14. The trapeze hanger fitting set forth in claim 9, wherein thefree end of the catch is configured to engage a peripheral edge of anopening in the strut to prevent the strut connecting portion fromwithdrawing from the open longitudinal end of the strut when the strutconnecting portion is inserted into the open interior of the strut. 15.The trapeze hanger fitting set forth in claim 1, wherein the at leastone catch includes three catches connected to the connecting body, thethree catches axially spaced apart on the connecting body between thefirst and second ends.